The balance of car permit spaces - and those with permits, seems to be favourable at the moment. It is infrequent that we find that all the spaces have been taken, for spaces freed up after 5.00 pm become available for returning residents.
Ease of parking on the terrace has not always been the case, and depends much on the demographic balance.
There are, in fact, 30 parking spaces on South Terrace, of which 19 require permits - 5 at the bottom of the terrace, 6 in the middle and 8 at the top. This leaves 4 free spaces at the bottom right of the terrace and 7 in the middle section. With 24 households and 8 cottages, some of which -and I confess that I am one - have more than one car permit - parking can become tight. Fortunately, we have a number of residents who do not own a car, do not require a permit nor need a parking space. Their contribution to the rest of us is considerable.
But, with the gradual change that happens here, we cannot count on this balance.
Adelle's lovely number 3 is marketed for sale with Ann Cordey (search on price £179.950 - 2 bedroom - terrace) and number 21 is to be re-let shortly. With change and minor adjustments to car use, parking could again become a difficulty.
The temptation is to say, as it is not a problem now, that we need not concern ourselves. But are there ways in which parking here could be eased for the future?
It would be possible to provide a further three car spaces. The middle 'permitted' bays could be extended down towards Feethams South with the addition of two further parking spaces. Although the council state that there need to be restrictions on parking proximate to the access crossing points, in reality a further two bays would not inhibit crossing here. Likewise, a further single bay could be added to the 'free' bay section at the lower end of the terrace without affecting access to the Cricket Club gates.
A more controversial issue, is whether the 'free' bays should remain free?
In my previous blog I raised the issue of non-residents working in the town centre using South Terrace for day-time parking. As I indicated there, non-residents cannot be criticised for locating such convenient parking close to town, and for exploiting the opportunity to park in such a safe neighbourhood. But this does create problems for residents who may have friends and relations visiting, expect workmen, deliveries, or await nursing or caring attendance. Whether it be a son, daughter, parent, hairdresser or plumber, the absence of a parking space during the day can be a major issue, exacerbated by the council's new policy of charging workmen £5 for a day permit to use a residents bay.
Is not now the time to seek to have some control over the 'free' bays? One suggestion was that the council could issue residents with a carnet of 'day permits'. Similar methods have been used in York, but not without issues. The council would charge for the carnet, and numbers of day permits may be limited per household.
Is there a single and easily managed solution?
For my part, I would suggest that residents with a permit who work from home, or who are not planning to be away during the day, park in first instance in 'free' spaces. If these are not available first thing in the morning, the regular non-resident parkers will look elsewhere, and perhaps park in one of the council's many town centre car parks, adding a well-needed contribution to the council's budget.
Those residents willing to release a 'free' space to another resident during the day could simply place a numbered yellow card on their dash board, the number indicating their house. In this way, another resident wanting a space during the day could access one without difficulty. Such a collaborative scheme would require no outside intervention and would be entirely self-regulating.
I am sure that residents will have some views on the matter, and invite you to make a comment at the foot of this blog. Your ideas could make all the difference to both parking on the terrace and the harmony that we enjoy here.
Whilst on the topic of parking, here is the latest message from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Teams.
"There has been an increase in the theft of vehicle parts from un-attended cars overnight in the Darlington area.
Thieves appear to be targeting small Ford and Peugeot vehicles and taking parts such as wing mirrors, wheel trims and bumpers without causing other damage.
Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to the police on the non-emergency number 101 or on 999 if a crime is being committed. DC 637 Phil COLLINGWOOD is investigating these crimes and can be contacted on 01325 742274 or by email on phil.collingwood@durham.pnn.
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